The annual collaboration usually gives six Doernbecher Children's Hospital patients the opportunity to express their creativity by partnering with top Nike designers in order to create limited edition, one-of-a-kind Nike footwear and apparel collections that have raised nearly $17 million for the hospital since the program's inception in 2004.

This year the program is expanding to feature nine patient-designers as Nike and Doerbecher look to offer more young designers an opportunity to create.

Here's an early look at the young designers and some background information that describes the illnesses they are battling and what they are passionate about. Their interests could give sneakerheads some insight about what elements might be included in the special edition shoes and clothing items set to be released in the fall.

Story by Tim Brown, The Oregonian/OregonLive | Photos courtesy Nike and Doernbecher

Diagnosis: Bilateral renal agenesis, end stage kidney disease (born without kidneys) Hometown: Springfield, Oregon Did you know? Carissa has a twin sister Favorite activity: Playing Minecraft Perfect day: Playing basketball on a summer day